Name: Garlic Parmesan Cheese Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 bulb garlic; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced (or ½ teaspoon dried); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced (or ½ teaspoon dried); ⅛-¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, depending on spice preference; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 cup heavy cream; ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese

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Introduction

This creamy garlic parmesan cheese sauce is packed with rich flavors and just the right hint of spice. It’s perfect for drizzling over pasta, vegetables, or grilled chicken to elevate any meal with a luscious, cheesy finish.

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy garlic soup, speckled with green herbs like rosemary and thyme, with a smooth, slightly thick texture and light golden color. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partly submerged. Around the bowl, there are fresh sprigs of thyme and rosemary, a whole garlic bulb, some peeled garlic cloves, and a small glass bowl filled with grated cheese on a green towel with white stripes, all placed on a white marbled surface. The scene has a bright and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 bulb garlic
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced (or ½ teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced (or ½ teaspoon dried)
⅛–¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the garlic bulb in half crosswise, drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, and wrap them tightly in foil. Roast for 45 minutes, until the garlic is soft. This can be done a day or two ahead.
Step 2: Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves onto a cutting board and mash into a paste using the side of a knife.
Step 3: Heat a skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the mashed garlic, rosemary, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir until fragrant and bubbly.
Step 4: Gradually pour in the heavy cream about ¼ cup at a time, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles.
Step 5: Stir in the parmesan cheese and simmer for 1 more minute. Serve warm over your favorite dishes.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother sauce, strain out the herb bits before adding the cream.
Use fresh herbs when possible for a brighter flavor.
Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice for a tangy twist.
Try substituting parmesan with pecorino or asiago cheese for a different cheese profile.

Storage

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much when reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy garlic herb soup, light yellow in color with small green and black herb specks throughout. The soup has a slightly thick texture with a small swirl in the center topped with fresh green rosemary and thyme sprigs. A silver spoon is partially dipped into the soup, resting inside the bowl. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface are garlic cloves, fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, a whole garlic bulb, and a small clear glass bowl with light yellow grated cheese beside a green and white cloth napkin. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, roasting the garlic up to two days in advance saves time. The sauce itself can also be made ahead and refrigerated, just reheat gently before serving.

What can I serve this garlic parmesan sauce with?

This sauce pairs well with pasta, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or even as a dip for crusty bread. It adds richness and flavor to a variety of dishes.